Head Coach Vladan Milojević changed seven players from last Thursday’s win over AC Sparta Prague in a bid to keep his players fresh ahead of the second leg in Czech Republic. Only Borjan, Stojković, Le Tallec and Jovičić remained in the starting XI for this match at FK Rad.

First half was a rather quiet one with players obviously struggling in the scorching Belgrade weather. There weren’t any clear-cut chances to report, but Zvezda still made the breakthrough. Luka Adžić took a corner in the 37th minute and Damien Le Tallec leaped well on the far post and sent a looping header over Marković and into the net to make it 1-0 Zvezda.

Marko Gobeljić replaced the injured Filip Stojković before the restart. Thankfully, Stojković’s injury was confirmed as a light one and he should be available for the European match on Thursday.

Rad knew they’ve had to attack after the break and they came very close just before the hour mark. Milan Borjan denied Vico’s narrow angle shot and then Vujačić shot just over after the resulting corner with the ball bouncing off the top of the crossbar.

Guélor Kanga replaced Nenad Milijaš soon after and he released Aleksandar Pešić with a long pass. The striker thought he was clear on goal but a Rad defender did well to throw him off balance just enough to prevent him of applying a proper finish.

But Pešić got his goal late on as he headed home easily from close range following a pinpoint Dušan Anđelković cross from the left byline.

The match finished with Zvezda running out 2-0 winners. Vladan Milojević will be pleased with the points and yet another clean sheet ahead of the important trip to Prague.